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PHYC41030

Academic Year 2024/2025

Medical Imaging Physics II (PHYC41030)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sean Cournane
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The module examines a number of different imaging modalities: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Ultrasound. The physics principles, image formation techniques and hardware for MRI will be outlined. Further, detailed lectures on some pulse sequences will be provided, progressing to the most recent advanced MRI imaging methods. In the Nuclear Medicine section, an overview of scintigraphy imaging for planar and SPECT acquisitions using the gamma camera will be provided, in addition to the reconstruction methods employed. The radioisotopes used, their production, and radiochemical and radiopharmaceutical aspects will also be introduced. The lectures will review PET imaging, detailing the production of radioisotopes, imaging modes and image formation. Some aspects of radionuclide therapy and theranostics will also be introduced. Ultrasound imaging principles and equipment will be outlined, with a detailed account provided of common methods for anatomical imaging, Doppler physiological measurement and some advanced imaging modes. Future applications of ultrasound for therapeutic purposes will be introduced and discussed. In addition, for each specific modality, imaging quality, image artifacts, performance tests and safety issues will be outlined.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should have acquired a solid understanding of the physics and imaging formation principles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Ultrasound imaging. Students should, in addition, understand the basic principles of operation of each of the modalities within the hospital environment. Students should have acquired an appreciation for factors affecting the quality of the acquired images, patient safety and performance testing approaches.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

27
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

45
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will combine lectures, group work, practical sessions and a journal club. Students will be required to present the findings of their assignments as a group and individually for the journal club. The module will also be assessed with an end-of term exam.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam. In-person exam at the exam centre. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

55

 No
Group Work Assignment: Group presentation on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) basics and advanced topics and clinical applications. Week 4 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

15

 No
Individual Project: Individual oral and poster presentation on a journal publication related to Nuclear Medicine, Radionuclide Therapy or Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

15

 No
Group Work Assignment: Image quality assessment in Ultrasound. Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

15

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Irene Hernandez Giron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Luis Leon Vintro Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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